Songwriting from an Instrumental Perspective

Hey guys,

I write a good amount of pop/rock instrumentals, that just sit on a hard drive and never leave the studio. If I was to look into collaborating with vocalists/lyricists, does anyone have a recommendation as to where I should start? I'm still a baby in the Nashville game, and am just getting my feet wet. I'd appreciate anywhere you guys could point me.

I've also got much to learn about co-writing in this town. I've read quite a bit through this forum and there seems to be plenty of experience and know-how to go around. I'd appreciate any insights you could provide a newbie.

Thanks!

Matt

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Permalink Reply by Pete Warren on October 5, 2011 at 2:56pm

I think the best thing to do would be to get out and go to some writer's nights, and also to do some networking with some of the groups of songwriters that meet up around town. There are plenty that meet up. NSAI also hosts a number of events. Don't worry so much about a bad pairing with different writers. It takes time to figure out who you are and who you aren't compatible with as writers. It even takes time to work your way into a comfortable compatible writing partnership, much like it does in any relationships. You have to learn how to work with each other most of the time. I'm much the same way, I'm much more of a composer than a lyricist, and I am very dependent upon writing with strong lyricists in order to complete "songs" instead of compositions. But also, realize that there is a value to writing instrumental compositions, and there are ways to exploit instrumental compositions and generate income from them as their own distinct copyrights. Consider it less as a game, and more as a business. Consider people as potential friends with experience and creative value that you can contribute to. Value their input and creative ideas. Also, I encourage you to "write up." I always try to write in pairings with someone who has a great set of ideas and someone who has a great ability to bring my ideas further along, both at the same time. That puts me in the middle of two people's skill set level. It pulls one person along, and it takes me further in the process of developing my own skills. Just a thought.